By KLTV Newsdesk –
Labour Councillor Shabir Pandor has announced he is to resign as leader of Kirklees Council with immediate effect.
Cllr Pandor, who will remain as representative of Batley West, announced his resignation in a statement on the evening of July 26 2023.
In his statement, he thanked “the Labour Party, Kirklees Council, Labour Group and everyone who has supported and assisted” him in his time as leader.
He added: “Leading Kirklees Council has been an honour and a privilege, and I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to serve. I’m incredibly proud of our achievements during my time as leader.”
“We have a very strong foundation and footing to continue to deliver services whilst we have solid ambitions for our towns and villages across Kirklees. I feel it’s time for me to stand aside to allow a renewed sense of direction, vision and aspiration for the people across Kirklees.
Cllr Pandor served as Deputy Leader of the council from 2016 and, as leader since 2018, confirmed he would continue as a councillor.
The statement continues: “I’m looking forward to supporting the new leadership and continuing my work in representing the brilliant residents of Batley West.”
Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, thanked Shabir Pandor as he stepped down as leader of Kirklees Council.
She said: “I would like to thank Shabir Pandor for his support over the last two years that I have been mayor and for his role in helping secure devolution to the region.
“He has been a champion for Kirklees and West Yorkshire including through his leadership on inclusivity and economic growth. And he led the council during a difficult time through the pandemic and economic crisis caused by the government.
“But the show must go on, and Kirklees will now be selecting a new leader, who I look forward to working with as we continue creating a West Yorkshire that works for all.”
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